LittleBigPlanet 3, a beloved PlayStation platformer, is officially removed from the PlayStation Store, marking the end of an era for a series that once defined the platforming genre on Sony consoles. Despite this disappointing development, there might be a silver lining to LittleBigPlanet 3 disappearing.
Given the ongoing popularity of casual platformers on the PS5, particularly with the success of Astro Bot, LittleBigPlanet fans may have reason to stay optimistic about a potential revival. If Sony wants to capitalize on this nostalgia, it could release a future remastered collection of LittleBigPlanet games, something that would not only preserve the series but also bring it to a new generation of players on modern consoles.
LittleBigPlanet Deserves a Remastered Collection After Its Delisting
In 2021, the LittleBigPlanet franchise suffered a significant blow when its online servers were hit by DDoS attacks, which led to the indefinite shutdown of LittleBigPlanet’s online features. Although Sony initially took action by reviving online support for LittleBigPlanet 3, it left other servers offline, resulting in the permanent loss of multiplayer for earlier entries in the series.
Unfortunately, a subsequent technical issue in 2024 prompted Sony to shut down the online multiplayer functionality of LittleBigPlanet 3 as well, leaving a vast library of community-created levels inaccessible. This shutdown was met with disappointment from fans who cherished the collaborative and creative spirit of the LittleBigPlanet series.
LittleBigPlanet's decline is especially disheartening when considering the series’ early successes. Debuting on the PlayStation 3, LittleBigPlanet and LittleBigPlanet 2 were both met with praise and good sales. Building on this success, Sony expanded the franchise across several platforms and spin-offs, including a PSP release, a PS Move-compatible title, a PS Vita version, a kart racing game, and an endless runner. From 2008 to 2012, LittleBigPlanet’s reach grew, but after LittleBigPlanet 3 launched in 2014, the franchise began to fade from the spotlight.
Astro Bot’s Success Might Signal a Bright Future for LittleBigPlanet on PS5
Interestingly, the popularity of Astro Bot has breathed new life into the demand for platforming games on the PlayStation. Astro Bot Rescue Mission for PSVR was a breakthrough title, proving there was a strong appetite for accessible platforming experiences on newer consoles. Team Asobi, the studio behind Astro Bot, continued this trend by releasing Astro’s Playroom on the PS5, which featured the innovative DualSense controller and showcased the potential of casual platformers.
Given Astro Bot’s popularity and the successful response to platforming titles on PS5, there’s a clear demand for more accessible, family-friendly experiences on the console. It’s possible Sony could look to LittleBigPlanet’s history as a key opportunity to provide PS5 players with a nostalgia-based platformer. A remastered collection could be the ideal way to celebrate LittleBigPlanet’s legacy, bundling the classic games with updated graphics and features optimized for PS5. This approach would not only preserve the series but could also breathe new life into a dormant franchise, much like Nintendo’s recent move to rescue Xenoblade Chronicles X from its limited availability on the Wii U.
With backward compatibility continuing to be a significant challenge, especially for PS3 titles, remasters or re-releases offer a practical solution for keeping older franchises relevant. As players show an increasing interest in classic games on newer consoles, a LittleBigPlanet remaster could offer fans a way to reconnect with the series while ensuring a seamless experience on PS4 and PS5.
In the end, while the delisting of LittleBigPlanet 3 closes a chapter for the series, it doesn’t necessarily close the book on its legacy. Astro Bot’s success demonstrates that there’s a strong market for charming platformers that prioritize creativity and fun, making a LittleBigPlanet remaster a viable option. Should Sony take this route, it would provide a valuable bridge between the PS3 era and today’s PlayStation ecosystem.
LittleBigPlanet 3
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 79 /100 Critics Rec: 64%
- Released
- November 18, 2014
- ESRB
- E For Everyone due to Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence, Tobacco Reference
- Developer(s)
- Sumo Digital
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Computer Entertainment
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer
- Franchise
- LittleBigPlanet
WHERE TO PLAY
Join Sackboy® and his amazing team of new friends on a wild adventure across a mysterious, unexplored world packed with endless surprises.
Play with all of the brilliantly unique talents of OddSock, Swoop and Toggle as the newcomers work together with Sackboy® to solve puzzles and explore the creativity-powered planet Bunkum.
You can also dip into endless creativity: grab hold of a sack of brand new tools to quickly and easily design your very own games and levels.
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4
- Genre(s)
- Puzzle, Platformer
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
